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"You know, I think you have solances down at thebetter?"

"Yes Thanks But there’s so I wanted to--" I take a deep breath "Michael, was it h? I ives ht?"

"Yes," I say, feeling a shaft of apprehension "We’re being frank"

"Then, to be honest, I can’t say it helped proceedings," says Michael "There were various… re Some oh-so-funny jokes I have to hand it to Luke, he took it all pretty well"

I stare at his "I wouldn’t have thought he particularly wanted to repeat any of the comments"

"So it was my fault"

"Uh-uh" Michael shakes his head "That’s not what I said" He leans back in his chair "Becky, if this deal had been really strong, it would have survived a bit of adverse publicity My guess is JD Slade used your little… eer reason, which they’re keeping to themselves…"

"What?"

"Who knows? The rumor about Bank of London? A difference in business ethos? For soeneral loss of confidence in the whole idea"

I stare at hi what Luke said

"Do people really think Luke’s losing his touch?"

"Luke is a very talented individual," says Michael carefully "But sootten into him over this deal He’s al, he needs to prioritize There’s obviously a situation with Bank of London He should be talking to the trouble And it’s not just them Some problem or other seee client" He leans forward "If you ask me, he should be on a plane back to London this afternoon"